March Extension Connection 2017

USPS-525-100

Extension Connection

YOUR LINK TO LOCAL, RESEARCH-BASED SOLUTIONS TO BETTER YOUR LIFE

VOLUME LXXXXVIII NO. 3

Benjamin Cosor Elementary School students enjoyed a snowshoe adventure on the BCES trail, with CCE Sullivan County, Morgan Outdoors, and Sullivan Renaissance. PC: Brandi Merolla

Upcoming U pcoming Events Events & Programs Programs FAMACHA Certification We Connect Global Citizenship Yoga 4 Classrooms Training Pruning Apple Trees & More!

National Ag Day Fundraiser

MARCH 2017

Issue Issue Highlights Highlights Dos & Don’ts of Low Cost & Retrofit Milking Parlors A Bird’s Favorite Food Challenge Yourself to Save National Nutrition Month

Artisanal Bread Making

Lessons Learned from 4-H Animal Projects

Dairy Processing Regulations

CCE Sullivan Spotlights

Pheasant Chick Order Deadline

See page 14 for Fast Facts and a March recipe perfect for spring!

Sullivan Worksite Wellness Coordinator Training See page 12 for more events!

Welcome W elcome to to the the Issue!

Issue!

Table Table of of Contents Contents

Page 3 Letter from the Executive Director

Page 9 Making Family Time “Active Time”

Page 18 Upcoming Events & Programs

Page 4 Dos & Don’ts of Low-Cost Retrofit Milking Parlors

Page 10 Lessons Learned from 4-H Animal Projects

Page 20 CCESC Spotlights

Page 5 FAMACHA Certification

Page 11 Annual Garden Tour

Page 24 Sponsorships

Page 6 A Bird’s Favorite Food

Page 12 Upcoming Events & Programs

Page 26 Business Incubator Programs

Page 14 March Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use!

Page 28 Save the Date: Cornell Country BBQ & Live Auction

Page 7 Challenge Yourself to Save Page 8 National Nutrition Month Page 8 Childhood Obesity

Page 22 Opportunities for You

Page 16 In Case You Missed It

The Extension Connection (USPS-525-100) is published monthly for $25.00 enrollment by Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County, located at 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Suite 1, Liberty, NY 12754-2903. Entered at Liberty, New York, as a periodical class matter.

Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in section 412, Act of February 24, 1925. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Extension Connection, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Suite 1, Liberty, NY 12754-2903.

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday-Friday Phone: 845-292-6180 Fax: 845-292-4946 Website: www.sullivancce.org E-mail: sullivan@cornell.edu Twitter.com/ccesullivan Facebook.com/ccesullivan Instagram.com/cce_sullivan_county

2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Donna Willi..............................President Robert Kaplan..................Vice President John Kiefer...............................Secretary Dawn Boyes.............................Treasurer Amy Erlwein Pamela Fisk Christopher Gozza Sonja Hedlund John “JP” Lang Earl Myers Klu Padu Luisa Parker Glenn Pontier Terri Ward, Legislative Rep.

Page 2

EXTENSION CONNECTION Edited by: Nicole Slevin & Colleen Monaghan Designed by: Centermost Marketing, LLC Produced by: Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

NOTICE: Official endorsement of advertisers and their products is not intended by the acceptance of their advertisements for the Extension Connection.

STAFF MEMBERS Colleen Monaghan............................................................................Executive Director SueAnn Boyd......................................................................Healthy Schools Coordinator Wanda Cruz..............................................................Healthy Communities Coordinator Emily Devore.............................................................Healthy Communities Coordinator Dayna Gaeta.........................................................Community Horticulture Coordinator Marylin Jones..........................................................................4-H Program Coordinator Bonnie Lewis..........................................................................Dependent Care Educator Michelle Lipari...............................................................................Agriculture Educator Vincent LoCascio..................................................ESNY Community Nutrition Educator Erica Lynch.......................................................................Catskills Kitchen Coordinator Melinda Meddaugh.....................................................Ag & Food Systems Team Leader Barbara Moran...............................................4-H Animal Science Program Coordinator Nicole Slevin.........................................................................Communications Manager Kaitlyn Smith............................................................Administrative & Program Assistant Tara VanHorn.......................................................................................Finance Manager Malinda Ware.................................Health & Community Development Program Leader Sean Welsh..........................Energy & Consumer Educator and Operations Coordinator John Wilcox.......................................................................Building & Grounds Manager

Extension Connection

March 2017

Dear Friends of Extension: Greetings, Extension friends! What a treat the last week of February was with a streak of warm weather. I hope you had an opportunity to thaw out, get out, and enjoy some fresh air without the chill. Things are really heating up at Extension as we roll into the spring season.

Once again our friends from AARP are at the Extension Education Center offering tax preparation services for our friends and neighbors, and a new cohort of Master Gardener Volunteers are in the home stretch of their training. Next month we’ll graduate nine newbies who are excited to share their new horticulture knowledge and skills through the helpline, visiting camps, and speaking at community group meetings.

Next month, we’ll be ready to release a years’ worth of Master Food Preservation workshops, along with a nice comprehensive report highlighting all the great opportunities and partnerships the ag team pulled together over the last 18 months to support farming operations across the county.

Even though it’s still winter, March begins the annual Sullivan County 4-H Youth Fair planning!

To add a little excitement, this year the Youth Fair is the eligible recipient of the Governor’s Fair Infrastructure Improvement Program grant through NYS Ag and Markets. It’s not often we have an opportunity to make major repairs to the buildings our youth fair calls home and we’re looking forward to working with our friends at the Neversink Ag Society to keep the Grahamsville Fairgrounds safe and accessible for our 4-H exhibitors, their families, and thousands of fairgoers.

March also marks the first meeting of our newest board of directors. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to new members JP Lang and John Kiefer, and our 2017 officers, who are listed on the title page of this newsletter. Additionally, I’d like to publicly thank the outgoing members of the board’s Personnel and Finance Committee; the most active committee, responsible for matters of the financial health and personnel policies of the organization. Members include Donna Willi, Earl Myers, Glenn Pontier, Pam Fisk, and Chris Gozza.

As a first time executive director, our shared success and progress at CCE Sullivan is a direct result of the mentoring, support, guidance, and hard work of this team of volunteers. We had community relationships and partnerships to repair and bridge, policies to tighten up, funding gaps to close, and programs to celebrate. The steadfast commitment and work of this committee built me up and guided me when I needed it, asked hard questions to make accountability and common sense a priority, and stayed out of the way when we were on a good roll.

Serving as a volunteer on an Extension board is not easy. It’s not about putting an extra line on your resume. It is work; two+ hour meetings, evening phone calls and texts, the occasional raised voice, and most importantly, a shared commitment to the good of the organization, and the farmers, families, and kids in Sullivan County. I am forever grateful that you all were the people at that committee table for my first two years. Each one of your individual perspectives and skill sets has added immense value to both CCE Sullivan, and to my own personal and professional growth.

Thanks again and I look forward to serving out the rest of your term right alongside you!

For everyone else, don’t blink! Spring is on the way. See you in April!

Warm Regards,

Colleen Monaghan, Executive Director, cm638@cornell.edu

Extension Connection

March 2017

Page 3

10 DOS & DONTS FOR LOW-COST AND RETROFIT MILKING PARLORS Submitted by Michelle Lipari, Agriculture Educator

of a competent milking equipment installer to work through the planning process with you.

As tie stall dairy producers think about herd expansion they often consider converting their existing building into a milking center. In many cases this is a reasonable idea.

However, “low-cost” isn’t always “cheap”.

3. Don’t Over Estimate the Value of Old Equipment: Let your trusted milking equipment installer determine the value of used milking equipment. Most milking equipment is only supported for 10 to 20 years. Replacement parts for older equipment may be unavailable, hard to get, expensive, or all of the above.

Maintenance on older equipment can be labor intensive.

Harvesting milk is one of the most important jobs on a dairy farm, so the milking area should be a comfortable area for both cows and those milking.

Quality milk comes from a quality place of work. Careful planning and attention to details that enhance performance and encourage a proper, consistent milking routine is essential.

Dr. Doug Reinemann, professor of biological systems engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, suggests the following guidelines when planning a milking parlor: 1. Know How Much You Can Spend: A good financial analysis of the farm operation is step one. An unprofitable business cannot afford to invest anything. Saving time does not improve profitability unless there is more profitable use of that time.

‘Low-cost’ is sometimes defined as a total annual cost of milking, including labor and facilities, that is less than $1.00/cwt. To be competitive build a ‘reasonably’ sized parlor that fits the budget and avoids putting an extra person in the milking area.

Adding more operators never increases the number of cows milked proportionally to the added labor cost.

2. Let the Installer Design the Milking System: Designing the parlor and milking system to meet all the sanitary and safety regulations is a highly skilled task. Seek the advice

Page 4

4. Get the Building Right: Buildings generally last a long time and are difficult to remodel. Equipment may last 10 years and is easy to upgrade, as long as the building isn’t the limiting factor. Always compare the cost of renovation versus a new building. It is not always less expensive to remodel, especially if structural modifications and significant concrete removal is necessary. Plan the milking center of your dreams, then scale back. If the budget is limited, spend it on a good building (with a future) and start with a “bare-bones” milking machine.

5. Plan the Building, Stalls, and Holding Area for Good Cow Flow: Lack of good cow movement into and out of the milking parlor is frustrating for both the operator and cows. The milking parlor should be designed to keep the stress level of both the cows and the milkers low. Eliminate turns whenever possible. Where turns are necessary provide adequate space and reduce the number of direction choices cows must make on their own.

6. If You Remodel—Rewire: Almost every old barn lacks an electrical system that is adequate and safe.

Wiring wears out and new wiring methods have been developed. Often the existing wiring cannot handle the capacity of the new electrical

Extension Connection

March 2017

equipment added to the parlor.

7. Put in Good Lights: Plenty of good quality light makes a good work environment. Install energy efficient lights with fixtures designed to operate in a damp location.

8. Consider Energy Saving Technology: Energy efficiency is a good investment. There is often a 2- to 6-year payback on investments for variable speed drive vacuum pumps, well water pre-cooling of milk, and heat recovery from the refrigeration system.

9. Make Sure Floors Drain Well: Beware of amateur concrete work!

Wet floors make for a slippery, unpleasant work environment. Create mono-slope floors that drain to a gutter rather than multiple slopes to a single drain. Use a minimum slope of 0.25 inch per foot.

10. Install Good Ventilation: Ventilation is essential to control the levels of moisture, gases, and pollutants. Cold weather systems provide enough air exchange to provide fresh air, remove moisture, and maintain a comfortable temperature. Warm weather systems do the same, but require a much more rapid air exchange. Be sure to provide adequate controls to allow the system to operate for a time after parlor wash down (and after the operator has left) to remove moisture.

Low-cost milking parlors do not need to be a cheap compromise to a new milking facility. With honest, objective evaluation of the building, proper planning, and attention to detail a sanitary, productive, and safe environment can be created for both cows and the people milking them.

Source: Dan McFarland, Penn State Extension

Extension Connection

March 2017

Page 5

WHAT IS A BIRD’S FAVORITE FOOD? Submitted by Dayna Gaeta, Community Hort. Coordinator

N h Northern Cardinal C di l PC: PC S Steven K Katovich, i h USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Winter is a difficult time for birds as food resources decline, water freezes, and shelter from winter weather is required. First, providing feeders in winter will attract many birds to your yard. There is a plethora of options to choose from in your local hardware store. In order to attract different types of birds, offer different kinds of food. According to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, black-oiled sunflower seed attracts the widest variety of

Page 6

birds and ranks as the single best wild bird food (high in both protein and fat).

Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology website: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/ types-of-bird-seed-a-quick-guide/.

Cracked corn, which is inexpensive and nutritious, can be broadcast on the ground to invite groundfeeding species including doves, pheasants, quail, and turkeys. Both suet and peanut butter are attractive to woodpeckers, wrens, tufted titmice, juncos, chickadees, and other small birds. Goldfinches will stick around if you offer them pure thistle seed in a simple mesh bag. Blue jays will love to drop in for a snack of shelled, unsalted peanuts. In general, mixtures that contain red millet, oats, and other “fillers” are not attractive to most birds and can lead to a lot of waste as the birds sort through the mix.

Don’t know what kinds of birds you have in your backyard? Check out The Merlin Bird Photo ID Mobile App that was launched on December 14, 2016. The app was developed through the collaborative efforts of Cornell Tech, Caltech, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This amazing app can identify birds from pictures that you take or have taken.

The app scans a bank of 650 North American species it knows to find the closest match to your picture.

It even has access to information from eBird that allows it to consider location and time of year in order to give you the closest matches. It touts an accuracy rate of 90% with a good quality picture. Merlin Photo ID can be downloaded for free for iOs or Android systems from the Apple and Google Play app stores.

More information at http://merlin. allaboutbirds.org/photo-id/

Second, providing water is a surefire way to attract birds to your backyard.

It is best to use a heated bird bath or a dripping water source to provide clean water for birds. Placing food and water in an open area outside of your window will allow you to watch the flurry of winter friends from the comfort of your warm house. For more information, visit

Extension Connection

March 2017

Source: Birds.cornell.edu

CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO SAVE: TIPS FROM A TWITTER CHAT Submitted by Sean Welsh, Energy and Consumer Educator There is no better time to commit to a savings plan than during the first four months of every year. Between New Year’s resolutions, income tax season, the Save Your Refund contest, the 52-Week Money Challenge, America Saves Week, Global Money Week, Financial Literacy Month, and Money Smart Week, there is no shortage of educational and motivational activities.

Like many goals in life, saving money begins in your mind, not your wallet. A firm commitment to save on a regular basis, combined with a realistic action plan, is required.

What people think about, they bring about! In other words, when we want something bad enough, we generally figure out a way to get it. Saving money generally requires earning additional income and/or reducing household expenses. Savers should also set specific goals so they have a reason and motivation to save. A simple goal-setting worksheet can be found at http://njaes.rutgers.edu/ money/pdfs/goalsettingworksheet. pdf. For a retirement savings calculation, use the Ballpark Estimate calculator.

To identify strategies to help people save money, the Cooperative Extension System held a one-hour Twitter chat and Google Hangout video chat about saving money (#eXASchat) during America Saves Week 2015. This article summarizes information that was shared about ways to “find” money to save, where to save, saving resources and role models, and other topics.

files/2014/01/52-Week-MoneyChallenge.pdf.

Participants were asked to describe the one single best thing that people can do to save money. Responses included avoiding expensive impulse buying, automatic transfers from a checking to savings account, participating in a 401(k) plan and receiving an employer match, saving $1 a day, plus loose change, in a jar, and ramping up already positive behaviors (e.g., saving 5% of pay in a 401(k) plan instead of 4% of pay).

Plugging spending leaks was also mentioned. For example, saving $5 a day on junk food snacks, soda, coffee, lottery tickets, etc. translates to $1,825 a year, plus interest.

Another question was where to put savings. One tweeter noted that the best location for savings depends upon a person’s financial goals and their time frame. Short-term goal savings options include credit unions and online banks for the best interest rates (expressed as an annual percentage yield or APY), a certificate of deposit (CD) “ladder” with different CD maturity dates and interest rates, saving loose change, and the popular 52-Week Money Challenge where you start week #1 saving $1 and ramp up your savings $1 a week until you’re saving $52 during the final week, for a total of $1,378. The link for the challenge is http://walton.ifas.ufl.edu/fcs/

Extension Connection

March 2017

Resources for saving money that were mentioned by #eXASchat participants included the America Saves program, Cooperative Extension, the federal government MyMoney.gov website, and the New York Times’ 1% More Savings Calculator. Savings role models include parents, teachers, financially responsible siblings and friends, reformed over-spenders who turned their financial life around, and celebrities who espouse good financial habits and charitable gifting.

Other valuable money-saving tips shared during #eXASchat included: boosting your income by being visible and valuable at work, selling things you no longer need online and/or at garage sales, using your knowledge and skills to obtain side jobs, packing a bag lunch instead of eating out, reducing home energy use, shopping for clothes and home furnishings at thrift and consignment shops, and negotiating price discounts by asking “Is this the best price available?”

Clearly, financial literacy is power!

Many studies have confirmed linkages between financial knowledge and positive financial behavior such as reducing debt and saving for future financial goals.

Resolve to learn one new thing every day about personal finance.

In addition, “pay yourself first”.

Save part of your income, preferably automatically, before you get a chance to spend it.

Source: Barbara O’Neill, Rutgers Extension

Page 7

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH: PUT YOUR BEST FORK FORWARD Submitted by SueAnn Boyd, Healthy Schools Coordinator

Best Fork Forward”, which acts as a reminder that each bite counts.

Making just small shifts in our food choices, can add up over time. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest starting with small changes in order to make lasting changes you can enjoy.

National Nutrition Month® is a

Next year’s theme for National Nutrition Month® inspires us to start with small changes in our eating habits – one forkful at a time. So whether you are planning meals to prepare at home or making selections when eating out, Put Your Best Fork Forward to help find your healthy eating style.

nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

KEY MESSAGES: 1. Create an eating style that includes your favorite, healthful foods.

2. Practice cooking healthier ingredients at home.

3. How much we eat is as important as what we eat. Eat and drink the right amount for you, as MyPlate encourages us to do.

4. Find activities that you enjoy and be physically active most days of the week.

5. Manage weight or lower health risks by consulting a registered dietitian nutritionist. RDNs can provide sound, personalized nutrition advice to meet your needs.

Source: Eatright.org

The theme for 2017 is “Put Your

THE WEIGHT OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY and physical activity include the Submitted by Wanda Cruz, Healthy Communities Coordinator affordability of healthy food options, Its complex, brings many health issues and its above expected child’s weight based on their age and height.

The causes of excess weight gain in young people are similar to those in adults. Some factors may include a person’s behavior, genetics, and cultures. It may also be influenced by a person’s community. The surrounding area of where they live, learn and play can affect their ability to make healthy choices. It can be difficult for children and parents to make healthy food choices and get enough physical activity when they are exposed to environments that do not support healthy habits. Places such as child care centers, schools, or communities can affect diet and activity through the foods and drinks they offer and the opportunities for physical activity they provide. Other community factors that affect diet Page 8

peer and social supports, marketing and promotion, and policies that determine how a community is designed.

Behaviors that influence excess weight gain include eating highcalorie, low-nutrient foods and beverages, not getting enough physical activity, sedentary activities such as watching television or other screen devices, medication use, and sleep routines.

Obese youth are more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol while at risk of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Breathing problems (e.g., asthma, sleep apnea), joint problems, musculoskeletal discomfort, fatty liver disease, gallstones, and gastroesophageal reflux (i.e., heartburn) are other common health issues.

Extension Connection

March 2017

Included are also: Psychological problems (anxiety and depression), low self-esteem, lower self-reported quality of life and social problems such as bullying and stigma. They are also more likely to become adults with obesity.

Consuming a healthy diet and being physically active can help children grow as well as maintain a healthy weight throughout childhood.

Balancing energy or calories consumed from foods and beverages with the calories burned through activity plays a role in preventing excess weight gain. Eating healthy and being physically active also has other health benefits and helps to prevent chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Source: CDC/Overweight and obesity/Children, https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes. html

MAKING FAMILY TIME “ACTIVE TIME�

Submitted by SueAnn Boyd, Healthy Schools Coordinator Remaining physically active while raising a family can be a difficult task.

It is hard finding time to engage in activities when it seems as if the to-do list never ends. But physical activity is one of the most important parts of living a healthy life.

Physical activity has benefits such as helping to maintain healthy bones, controlling weight, and even promoting sound sleep. All of these benefits could be experienced by your entire family, so why not make family time active time? Not only will participating in physical activity with

the family allow you to be active and healthy, it will also demonstrate to children the importance of physical activity and how much fun it can be!

Activities, such as going to the park or a day hike, are great ways in which the family can bond and be physically active at the same time.

Focus on planning a family trip that involves these types of activities two to three times a month. Planning these activities ahead of time will give the entire family something to look forward to. Not all activities have to be grand in order for them to be beneficial. Playing with your children for 30 minutes a day will allow you to participate in your daily

Extension Connection

March 2017

activity and bond with your children while watching them learn and grow.

Another option would be to plan an hour family walk or bike ride after dinner two times a week. By planning a set time to be physically active, you will be more likely to stick to it, especially if it allows the family to be together. Get the kids involved, and make a list of all the activities they would like to try.

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Services.

Play Hard Your Way; Make Family Time an Active Time http://www.fns.usda.gov/ eatsmartplayhardhealthylifestyle/PlayHard/ makefamilytimeanactivetime.htm

Page 9

LESSONS LEARNED FROM 4-H ANIMAL PROJECTS Submitted by Barbara Moran, 4-H Animal Science Coordinator Animal projects are some of the longest-running and easily identifiable aspects of 4-H, but they are much more complex than what happens in the show ring. Many people may not realize the valuable skills that 4-H’ers receive as a result of participating in these projects.

4-H animal projects help youth learn about the life cycle, growth and feeding of animals. In the process, they learn about animal selection and evaluation, nutrition and feeding, animal health, daily care, reproduction, and marketing.

Animal projects also help 4-H’ers build or improve upon important life skills including hard work, responsibility, critical thinking, and

Page 10

decision-making. 4-H’ers also learn leadership skills, communication with others, organizational skills, and record keeping.

As part of these programs, young people are encouraged to practice animal welfare and responsibility.

4-H’ers are encouraged to take ownership of their project and be responsible for the animal’s daily care, while receiving oversight from an adult volunteer. 4-H’ers learn how to provide adequate feed, water and shelter to their animal and give the animal opportunities for normal socialization. As the animal grows, young people can take pride in knowing they helped raise a healthy animal.

Whether raising animals for food/ fiber or as pets, responsible livestock and pet owners know that responsible

Extension Connection

March 2017

animal care is the right thing to do.

Practicing compassionate animal care is to everyone’s advantage. Not only do consumers demand it, but healthy, well cared for animals have a better quality of life and are better producers and pets.

More information on 4-H animal projects is available at the CCE Sullivan County office in Liberty.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Contact: Barb Moran at 845-292-6180 or bjm292@cornell.edu.

Source: Mark Mains, University of Kentucky

DHI Report

Extension Connection

March 2017

Page 11

Page 12

Extension Connection

March 2017

Extension Connection

March 2017

Page 13

March Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & Nes

March is National

Learn Spanish

• Nutrition • Reading • Multiple Sclerosis • Women’s History • Brain Injury Awareness • Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Thank you very much!

You’re welcome. .... . . . . . . . . . . . ¡Muchas gracias!

Month!

Ag Blast from the Past: In 1913, a recommendation to kill smut disease was to soak it in a formaldehyde solution.

The solution to the Poincaré Conjecture, one of the most famous problems in mathematics, was first posted on Cornell’s arXiv.org.

De nada.

Added sugar may be listed as brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, raw sugar, and sucrose g on ingredient labels.

In the US, food-borne agents annually affect 1 out of 6 people and cause about 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths.

SURPRISING SPRING SEASON FACTS

During migration in the spring, a bird feeder might be a very welcome source of food for a bird that has already come a long way from its wintering grounds.

The first day of spring, called the vernal equinox, there is supposed to be 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night.

Learn English Vernal, adjective Of or relating to spring; appearing or occuring in spring;

In spring, the Earth’s axis is tilted toward the sun, increasing the number of daylight hours and bringing warmer weather.

Severe weather most often occurs during the spring, when warm air begins to move up

belonging to or

from the lower latitudes and cold air

characteristic of

pushes down from the polar regions.

youth.

The average American family will have $2,075 worth of food waste per year!

Page 14

Extension Connection

March 2017

News to Use! Plus a Special Spring Recipe Portuguese Kale Soup Yields about 6 servings

INGREDIENTS 1 large onion (1 cup chopped) 1 clove garlic 1 carrot (1/2 cup sliced) 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 8 cups water 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon hot pepper flakes 1 pound potatoes (3 cups cubed) ½ bunch kale (4 cups chopped) ¼ pound reduced-fat turkey kielbasa sausage ¼ teaspoon pepper *Keep It Fresh: Store kale in the refrigerator for a few days.

DIRECTIONS Chop onion. Mince garlic. Peel and slice carrot.

Heat oil in large pot on medium. Add onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté 10 mins Add water, salt, and hot pepper flakes. Cover and bring to a boil.

Wash and peel potatoes. Cut into ½ inch cubes.

Add potatoes to boiling water. Cover and cook 10 minutes.

Wash kale, remove tough stems, and chop finely. Slice sausage.

Add kale and sausage to soup. Cook uncovered 5 minutes.

Add pepper to taste.

Source: GET FRESH! Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension, 2001.

Extension Connection

March 2017

Page 15

FIREARM SAFETY CLASS January 29, 2017 CCESC volunteer Rich Sheldon hosted another successful Firearm Safety class at the Extension Education Center. With pistol permits up 700%, it’s an exciting opportunity to co-host this high demand program with Rich.

WSS WORKSITE WELLNESS

AARP TAX AIDE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

NEW 4-H POULTRY CLUB FAIR FEATHERED FRIENDS

February 6

February 10

The first Monday of the month began the AARP Tax Preparation Service at the Extension Education Center. Every year, the program serves more than 300 Sullivan County residents, providing free tax preparation for our friends and neighbors.

The newest 4-H Poultry Club, Fair Feathered Friends, held their first meeting at the Extension Education Center.

Interested folks can call the CCESC office for more info and to get involved.

4-H HORSE TASK FORCE

HEALTHY PROGRAMMING INCLUDES FARMERS’ MARKETS

February 6

February 13

The CCESC 4-H Horse Task Force welcomed Barb Moran to the table as the new Regional 4-H Horse Program coordinator and began planning efforts for the 2017 CCESC 4-H Horse Program Showmanship Clinic and horse programming at the 2017 Sullivan County Youth Fair.

Despite the snow, the CCESC ag, CHSC, and Eat Smart New York (ESNY) teams gathered together to coordinate activities for 2017. Look for new outreach materials and contact CCESC to learn how to claim and redeem WIC/SNAP/FMNP vouchers at this season’s farmers’ markets!

FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM/ WIC

FARM LAW 101

February 1

February 7

SMARTER LUNCHROOMS COLLABORATIONS

January 30 CCESC Creating Healthy Schools & Communities (CHSC) school coordinator SueAnn Boyd has worked with BOCES in White Sulphur Springs to grow their worksite wellness program. This partnership provides walking trails, community supported agriculture, and other wellness opportunities for hundreds of employees!

CCESC ag staff offered the annual WIC/ FMNP Webinar to prepare farmers to take various benefits from customers at farmers’ markets across the county.

FIRST DAIRY DISCUSSION February 2 CCESC ag staff got together with 12 young dairy men and women at the first ever CCE Dairy Discussion. The entrepreneurs now have a regular place to network, learn from each other, and provide input for future programming.

MASTER FOOD PRESERVER VOLUNTEER MEETING February 4 Five CCESC Master Food Preserver Volunteers (MFP) worked with Catskills Kitchen staff to plan the 2017 MFP workshop calendar. Stay tuned for monthly opportunities to join us in the kitchen!

Page 16

CCESC Ag and Food Systems hosted nearly 30 farmers at the Farm Law 101 workshop with Farm Commons attorney Rachel Armstrong. The full day training covered choosing an optimal business entity, employment law, liability and insurance, and writing effective lease, purchase, and sales documents.

HEALTHY SULLIVAN MEETINGS February 8 CCESC regularly participates in bimonthly Healthy Sullivan meetings with partners from Sullivan County departments of Public Health, Planning, Workforce Development, Human Rights, and the legislature, along with community-based organizations Sullivan Renaissance, Catskill Regional Medical Center, and others. The group works on county-wide policy recommendations that are proven to make communities healthier when adopted.

Extension Connection

March 2017

February 15 The CCESC CHSC and ESNY staff teamed up to coordinate Smarter Lunchrooms initiatives in the Liberty, Fallsburg, and Monticello school districts. Smarter Lunchrooms focuses on food and sign placement to encourage students to try new and healthy options in the school cafeteria.

4-H WE CONNECT GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP TRAVELS TO INDIA February 16 The brand new CCESC 4-H We Connect Global Citizenship program at Liberty Middle School introduced 16 students to Sullivan County entrepreneur and immigrant from India, Mr. Sunni Patel.

Over a delicious Indian dinner from Dhani’s Curry Melt in Liberty, Mr. Patel shared stories and lessons from his home country, and his business experience.

4-H We Connect Global Citizenship Program at Liberty Middle School featured

a speaker from India, presented to 16 students

250 Kohls staff Nearly 30 farmers attended Farm Law 101 full day workshop

members joined CCE worksite wellness program

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB COOKS UP FUN

BANKING ON WELLNESS

WELLNESS WEARS WELL

February 21

February 23

February 16

CCESC CHSC staff began work with Wayne Bank to bring their six Sullivan County branches on board with worksite wellness. With a completed worksite wellness assessment, Wayne Bank is ready to tackle new projects that open opportunities for healthy foods and physical activity to their employees across the county.

CCESC CHSC staff gathered with employees at Kohls Distribution Center to build a comprehensive worksite wellness program at their site, providing more than 250 employees with a kick-start towards health!

CCESC Catskills Kitchen partnered with the Boys and Girls Club to teach 15 middle school students from Monticello how to make stuffed, twice baked potatoes. A great time was had by all and students brought home ready-to-bake potatoes for their family dinner!

INTERGENERATIONAL TEXTILE GROUP February 17 The CCESC 4-H Intergenerational Textile group met for their monthly knitting/ crochet activity. This free group is open to the public. Call the office to join in making the latest project for the Federation for the Homeless and Safe Passage.

4-H WORKING TOGETHER RABBIT CLUB

COMPLETE STREETS ON A ROLL February 22 CCESC CHSC staff continue to attend the Town of Mamakating Comprehensive Planning meetings, where we have joined as a partner to help the town find creative and affordable ways to make the town more accessible and friendly to folks on foot and wheels. We thank the Town of Mamakating for embracing the Complete Streets planning philosophy!

February 18 The CCESC 4-H Working Together rabbit club held their monthly meeting at the Extension Education Center. To learn more about happy, hoppy bunnies contact Kaitlyn at the office!

4-H EXPLORERS CLUB February 23 The 4-H Explorers held their regular meeting at the Extension Education Center. Call the office to learn how youth can be involved in this multi-interest club.

Extension Connection

March 2017

MG VOLUNTEER TRAINING February 24 Nine new Master Gardener Volunteer trainees continue their journey to full Master Gardener Volunteer status by participating in twice monthly intensive trainings on Friday afternoons.

Consider joining us at 2:00 pm on April 7 to celebrate their graduation at the Extension Education Center!

WATER AT BOCES February 24 CCESC CHSC staff supported students at the BOCES White Sulphur Springs location, where a water pilot is taking place to encourage students and teachers to drink more water during the day. After providing a new water bottle filling station and hundreds of water bottles, CCESC CHSC is so proud of the students and faculty for making water an important part of their day!

Page 17

Page 18

Extension Connection

March 2017

Extension Connection

March 2017

Page 19

CCE Sullivan Spotlights

Staff Spotlight 4-H Spotlight ALLISON U. is a Youngsville Busy Beaver member in the spotlight this month for the dedication and leadership she has shown in her club and for the CCESC 4-H program. In addition to her role as Club President this year, she is a valued Youth Leader for the Busy Beavers, assisting the club’s organizational leaders in guiding younger members through their activities and project work. Allison began 4-H as a Cloverbud at age 5 and has explored a wide array of project topics throughout her 11 years of continuous involvement. She has excelled in public speaking, crafts, science, sewing, and community service work and shares her knowledge and skills as a teen leader, particularly at 4-H Winter Workshops.

In addition to her longstanding 4-H involvement and community service work, Allison is an honor student and an accomplished member of her school’s band, chorus and theater programs. The CCESC 4-H program is pleased to count among our ranks such a positive, young role model.

Page 20

MALINDA WARE started in February as the new CCESC health & community development program leader.

With a master’s degree in business administration, a bachelor’s in integrated marketing, 30 years of experience working with community youth, and running her own event planning business, Malinda is a great fit for our organization. She volunteers for organizations like Newburgh Loaves & Fishes, Human Rights Commission, Boys & Girls Club, and Newburgh Housing Authority and is certified to teach evidence-based programming for Project AIM and Girls Circle, and has developed curricula.

Malinda learned much about farming during her summers at her family farm in North Carolina. She has also been involved with the Newburgh Urban Farming Festival.

“I’m excited by the opportunity to work with CCE and all of its offerings!” said Malinda.

In addition to her love for country life, Malinda has a passion for the arts and volunteers at Safe Harbor of the Hudson and is a painter herself.

Extension Connection

March 2017

Partner Spotlight BENJAMIN COSOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL has partnered with CCESC on a multitude of projects. The school administration has welcomed the Creating Healthy Schools & Communities staff on many occassions to assist with on-site enhancements including trail signage, bird houses, benches, pallette vegetable gardens, farm to school initiatives, salad bars in the cafeterias to promote healthy eating as part of a Smarter Lunchrooms “makeover”, water bottle filling stations inside and outside for events, Yoga4Classrooms training for adults, and other school wellness projects!

“Fallsburg Central School District is motivated, community-driven, and strives for excellence. They are willing to try new things to enrich the well-being of their student body, staff, and faculty,” said SueAnn Boyd, CCESC Healthy Schools Coordinator.

Thanks to Fallsburg School District for setting a great example for wellness in schools!

CCE Sullivan Spotlights

Program Spotlight YOGA 4 CLASSROOMS is making exercise fun again! School educators, teachers’ aides, youth leaders, and community members are invited to get involved with a new program in Sullivan County called Yoga 4 Classrooms, offered by the CCESC Creating Healthy Schools & Communities program. This workshop for adults was a success at Monticello Central School District and will take place again at the CCESC Extension Education Center on March 17. No yoga experience or equipment necessary.

Nominate a Star Know someone who deserves deserrves the shine of the spotlight? t?

Email Nicole Slevin: nas96@cornell.edu

Jill Holland, Yoga 4 Classrooms implement leader presents this six-hour interactive, professional development workshop.

Participants will learn how to: • Understand the neuroscience of stress, the symptoms, and how it affects learning and behavior; • Integrate 67 simple, classroom-friendly yoga and mindfulness techniques into a class day and with individual students to support self-awareness, self-regulation, social and emotional learning, and resilience; • Facilitate learning readiness which can improve student achievement; • Improve classroom management while supporting students’ individual needs, cultivating a positive, peaceful, productive classroom climate; and • Become a more effective educator as they lead and practice these tools with students.

Participants receive a downloadable manual, note-taking guide, and certificate of completion. Additional purchases for activity cards can be made at www. yoga4classrooms.com\activity-card-deck\ Cost is $60 per non-school staff person.

School administrators should contact SueAnn Boyd, CCESC healthy schools coordinator, to register staff.

Program Spotlight: SueAnn Boyd, CCESC (left) and Jill Holland, Yoga4Classrooms (right)

Get involved in Yoga 4 Classrooms!

Extension Connection

March 2017

Page 21

Scholarships for Everybody Earle & Elizabeth Wilde Scholarship For high school seniors | Award: $2,000 Deadline to apply: April 15 Open to graduating high school seniors from the Sullivan County area who plan to continue their education in an agricultural related field at either the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill or Morrisville.

Skoda Family Scholarship Fund For high school seniors | Award: $500- $4,000 Deadline to apply: April 15 Open to graduating high school seniors from the Sullivan County area who plan to attend Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA and major in Agriculture. Orange County graduating high school students who plan to attend Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA and major in Agriculture and students from Sullivan County currently enrolled in Delaware Valley College majoring in Agriculture may also apply.

4-H Livestock Auction Scholarship For high school seniors | Award: $500 Deadline to apply: June 1 Open to enrolled 4-H members who are high school seniors with a B or better GPA and actively participated in the Sullivan County 4-H Livestock Auction for at least 2 years.

Family & Consumer Science Scholarship For general public | Amount Varies Deadline to apply: Rolling To stimulate interest in human ecology/ home eco-nomics. In the event of financial limitations that prevent a Sullivan County resident from receiving educational services, program fees may be partially or entirely covered by this scholarship. Sponsored by community homemakers groups & Sullivan Renaissance. Inquire with CCESC. Agriculture & Community Horticulture Scholarship For general public | Amount Varies Deadline to apply: Rolling To stimulate interest in agricultural and community horticulture related topics. In the event of financial limitations that prevent a Sullivan County resident from receiving educational services, program fees may be partially or entirely covered by this scholarship.

Sponsored by our friends at Sullivan Renaissance. Inquire with CCESC.

Learn More and Apply!

SULLIVANCCE.ORG | 845-292-6180 Page 22

Extension Connection

March 2017

Extension Connection

March 2017

Page 23

Extension Connection

March 2017

Page 25

Page 24

Extension Connection

March 2017

Page 26

Extension Connection

March 2017

Extension Connection

March 2017

Page 27

Save the Date

Starts 4:30 pm Auction 6:30 pm

Cornell Country BBQ & Live Auction Nobody does BBQ chicken like Cornell!

Farm F ar m to to fork fork dinner, dinner, live live music, music, and and the the best best home home made, m ade, home home grown grown live live auction auction in in the the Catskills!

Catskills!

Join us Saturday, September 16, 2017

Held H eld at at the the Extension Extension Education Education Center Center on on 64 64 FerndaleFer ndaleLoomis L oomis Road Road in in Liberty, Liber ty, NY. NY.

Tickets on sale soon!

sullivancce.org

Family-Friendlyy Country Funn Door Prizes Live Music usic

Farm-Fresh RafĂŚes Local Vendors Outdoor Tent Ou O